Three from School of Medicine named Outstanding Women for 2018

UAB honored seven Outstanding Women during a special ceremony on March 15 in the UAB Alumni House. Three of those women have strong ties to the School of Medicine.

For 25 years, UAB and subsequently the UAB Commission on the Status of Women have presented the awards during Women’s History Month to honor women in the UAB and Birmingham communities who have mentored or served other women, taken a courageous stance or overcome adversity to achieve a goal. Periodically, new awards have been added to the scope; this year the committee introduces a new one: the Nevertheless, She Persisted Award.

Recipients for the award are nominated by UAB faculty, staff and students, Birmingham residents, mentors and others from around the country and are selected by a committee of university and community women.

Akins, an executive administrator in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, has provided an example of strength and resilience during her many years at UAB, nominators say. Around 12 years ago, Akins was diagnosed with skin cancer, which she fought and beat; 10 years later, however, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After surgery and chemotherapy, she began a grueling six-week radiation schedule — but continued to show up to work like always.

Walley, M.D., an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, is known for actively seeking out women members of her unit to encourage and mentor. Using her large network of professional contacts and her own experience, Wally assists residents, fellows and junior faculty in identifying their niche within the department.

Peabody, an M.D./Ph.D. student in the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), splits her time between her rigorous academic obligations and several voluntary leadership positions. As the head of the OB/GYN interest group in the School of Medicine, Peabody has sponsored a Women’s Health Day at UAB’s local student-run clinic, Equal Access Birmingham, to ensure low-income, uninsured women have access to health care. She also is invested in helping transgender individuals get the medical support they need.